ESQUARED Recipe Reviews (Pg. 1) - Allrecipes.com (1152446)

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Reviewed: Nov. 22, 2011

This one got RAVE reviews. "The Hubbs" was hosting a guys' weekend, and when they returned home from the field, of course they were hungry for something NOT cooked around the camp-fire. This really fit the bill. I used a 3-pound roast, added both carrots and potatoes along with the onions, and subbed a packet of dried onion soup mix for the Italian dressing mix (...and I'm trying really hard NOT to think of the sodium content...oh well.). I had the slow-cooker on high for about 5 hours. Meat was practically falling apart, with a really nice flavor. I would say this is great for maximum results for relatively minimal effort...a keeper. Thanks for this recipe.

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3 users found this review helpful

The Best Turkey Chili

Reviewed: Nov. 22, 2011

Another 4.5-star rating, I would say. Made pretty much as written, except for a bit of salt while the meat was browning and subbed minced (dried) onion, as that was all I had on hand. Also only had a small can of tomato sauce, so I added just a bit of "jar" marinara and a can of Rotel tomatoes, as I prefer my chili a bit "chunkier" than the crushed tomatoes made things. Also added about a tsp. of coriander (and skipped the parsley, as I don't really see the "point" of that herb, especially in chili). Then added quite a bit of chicken stock to loosen things up a bit. Added just a sprinkle of red pepper flake, given the pepper in the Rotels. With the understanding that chili tends to be better the second day when the flavors have the chance to "marry up", I'm quite looking forward to tomorrow! Thanks for this recipe.

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1 user found this review helpful

Pita Chips

Reviewed: Jan. 16, 2011

Call this one 4.5. A winner on many fronts... simplicity, relatively-healthy alternative to other fried chips, fabulous taste result and great flexibility (I'm already conjuring up alternate flavor combos for these.) I made them "as written," (for a recent family dinner appetizer) just sans-chervil, as it is not a staple in my pantry. Served them with humus - delicious! Would also be a awesome with spinach and/or artichoke dip. Thanks for the recipe Dawn!!

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4 users found this review helpful

Rosemary Sherry Pork Chops

Reviewed: Oct. 7, 2010

Yumm! Made this one pretty much "as written". Only major changes were omissions -- left out the dried parsley because I rarely see the point of that herb and pepper 'cause my husband doesn't like it and I can add as much as I want when serving! :) Oh, and I substituted Marsala for the sherry. We both really enjoyed it. Served over some garlic sauted haricots verts with a salad along side (yep, watching those carbs). This would also be DELICIOUS over smashed potatoes, rice or orzo. Will certainly be making this one again. Thanks, Staceyo!!

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5 users found this review helpful

Savory Pork Chops

Reviewed: Sep. 13, 2010

These were tasty and tender. The sauce, while certainly bold and intense, has a really nice flavor (yes, we're mustard fans.) I didn't add any marmalade (didn't have any...), but may well try it the next time. Honey or apple jelly would also probably be good in this. The chops I used were probably closer to an inch than 3/4 inch, so I just adjusted the cook-time up by about 3-5 minutes. Sauce thickened up nicely. We're watching the carbs right now, so I served this with a nice big salad and broccoli, but it would be delicious with rice or orzo, etc. Will definitely keep this one in the rotation. Thanks for the recipe.

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15 users found this review helpful

Slow-Cooked Pork Barbecue

Reviewed: Aug. 29, 2010

Don't know that this is my favorite, but definitely respectable. And certainly it deserves high marks for being "low maintenance". I made this "as-written" for a Sunday lunch with friends from church. Everyone, including "The Hubbs" seemed to enjoy it. I used a five-pound pork loin roast. Still cooked for the same 4 hours, just bumped it up to high on my slow-cooker to compensate for the extra quantity. Was nice and tender, which one would expect from the pork loin. I guess my reason for giving it three rather than four stars (sorry, I just don't give that many 5-star ratings :) ) was that it just lacked a little "zing" for me. Maybe another BBQ sauce would have helped, or perhaps I just needed to up the seasonings more than I did. In any case, it did what I needed it to do, so I'm essentially satisfied. I will probably just need to tweak the sauce/seasonings a bit. In any case, I will probably make this again, but with some modifications. Thanks!

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4 users found this review helpful

Baked Ziti I

Reviewed: Aug. 19, 2010

Oh, yummmm! Fixed this for a family dinner recently (the guest list included several "rather choosy" nieces). They DEVOURED it! Wouldn't change a thing on this one. I have used a similar recipe that calls for multiple layers, bechamel, lots of pots and pans (all very well if one has bunches of time and energy...) but THIS one was JUST as satisfying and required a significantly lower time investment. Will certainly make this one again. Thanks for this recipe!!

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2 users found this review helpful

Salmon Salad

Reviewed: Aug. 18, 2010

This one was a bit of a surprise. "The Hubbs" mentioned that he was interested in trying salmon rather than tuna salad, so, given my recipe addiction, I went looking, and found this. I made this pretty much "as written" but decided to add just a dash of Old Bay seasoning and (at The Hubbs' request) a little extra mayo. Very nice! Made a very nice change served over a garden salad. Will definitely make this one again. Thanks for the recipe!

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4 users found this review helpful

Clark's Quiche

Reviewed: Aug. 18, 2010

This one is a winner. Made it pretty much "as written". Skipped the bacon (didn't have any on hand) and the dried parsley (personal preference -- read: don't often see the point of parsley :) ) Other than that, stayed "on recipe". End result was VERY tasty. Layering, especially the sour cream and spinach mixture, was a nice approach. "The Hubbs" isn't a mushroom fan, but given that they were finely diced, he didn't complain. Served it for an informal dinner with friends with salad and popovers (Grandma's recipe). Overall, it was a hit. Thanks for this recipe!

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1 user found this review helpful

Chicken Marsala

Reviewed: Jul. 12, 2010

Thanks for this recipe. After reading several other reviewers, I made just a couple of adjustments. Added some additional "spice-age" to the flour mix (rosemary and garlic, primarily), browned the chicken breast, then removed it from the pan. I then sauted the mushrooms in the hot pan, (went easy on the mushrooms, though, as "The Hubbs" really doesn't care for them...) then deglazed with a full cup of the Marsala, reduced, then added a bit of heavy cream, then returned the chicken and simmered as directed. Flavors really married up nicely. Served with some garlic green beans and summer squash, plus a spinach salad. Very nice. Again, thanks for a good recipe.

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Baked Dijon Salmon

Reviewed: Jul. 7, 2010

Actually, I might give 4.5 stars...we enjoyed this one quite a bit. At first I questioned the honey, but the slightly sweet tang was nice, and we're big mustard fans, so that was a no-brainer. I would have to say that the lemon makes it. Oh, and I substituted panko. Other than that, made it "as written." Served with garlic green beans and a spinach salad. I'll definitely make it again -- thanks for the tasty recipe!!

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Skillet Bow Tie Lasagna

Reviewed: Jun. 12, 2010

I've been using this one for awhile and we've really enjoyed it. It really is a great go-to recipe on "a busy week-night," AND I've also served for informal weekend get-togethers with friends. It's sure to be a hit in either situation. I would agree with other reviewers that subbing or adding sausage and/or ricotta would be tasty variations. In any case, it's a satisfying pasta fix. An Italian-style salad and crusty bread combine with this to make a great meal. Enjoy!!

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1 user found this review helpful

Sauteed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese

Reviewed: May 28, 2010

I liked this one. (The Hubbs, not a major fan of veg in general, tolerated/ate it -- with, of course, his obligatory dab of mayo...to each his own...). Swiss Chard is my father's favorite vegetable, so it kind of "took me back". Kind of hard to go wrong with fresh-from-the-garden greens (thank-you, Texas growing season...) I used chicken broth instead of the wine and added just a splash of lemon with the parm, plus salt and fresh-ground pepper at the finish. Overall, a good recipe, and I expect to be making it again. Thanks!

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2 users found this review helpful

Simple Artichoke Dip

Reviewed: May 2, 2010

Really can't beat this for it's winning combination of "simple/fast" and "so, so good!" I baked it in a gratin dish, so it needed a few more minutes in the oven, but it was a big hit. I served with packaged crackers and "melba toasts". Very tasty. Thanks bunches for this recipe!

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Best Carrot Cake Ever

Reviewed: Feb. 11, 2010

My husband normally lets me have the run of the kitchen, but when my birthday rolled around, knowing I LOVE carrot cake, he decided to surprise me with this one. For that reason alone, I would say it ranks "best ever" status. Plus, even for a relative novice baker, the cake turned out just perfectly. He even implemented a few of his own "creative touches" (chocolate chips and craisins). And while I'm not entirely sure I'll keep the changes, I'll definitely be keeping him! (and this recipe!) Thanks, and love you Babe!

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2 users found this review helpful

Red River Beef Stroganoff

Reviewed: Feb. 11, 2010

My husband requested Beef Stroganoff to take the chill off an extremely snowy day in Dallas (which is quite a rare thing). I was in the mood to try a new recipe and settled on this one. I'm quite glad I did. It came together easily, thickened nicely (but not too much) and had just the right amount of sour cream so it wasn't over-the-top rich; just nicely comforting on a very "wintery" evening. Thanks for this recipe.

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Christmas Cranberry Salad

Reviewed: Nov. 25, 2009

I've been making this recipe for years. Originally got it from an aunt who has always had a real "way" with great food and entertaining. It's a light, creamy take on cranberry (always a favorite anyway). Make it exactly "as written" -- you WON'T be disappointed! Enjoy!

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2 users found this review helpful

Caesar Salad Supreme

Reviewed: Jul. 27, 2009

Love this! Caesar salad is always a favorite, and the "mayo shortcut" gives this 5 stars for both taste AND ease of preparation. Made this "as written." Just went an extra 1/2 T. on the lemon for that extra "bite" (which MAKES Caesar salad for me...) Wouldn't change a thing. Wonderful with so many things or as a stand-alone. Thanks so much for this recipe!

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Hamburger Gravy

Reviewed: Jul. 23, 2009

Major nostalgia with this one -- felt like I was back in the school cafeteria! Now, before you think that is a slam, the cooks in the small town in which I grew up were quite good. Not sure it's "show-off-for-company" fare or anything, but certainly respectable, to say nothing of quick and easy. Followed the suggestions of a couple of other reviewers and added a packet of onion soup mix and some Worcestershire (actually, I guess I "halved" the "called for" ingredients, and used a full packet of the soup mix). Went a little easy on the milk and it thickened up nicely. Next time, I might add some sour cream, at "The Hubbs'" request, to give it a "faux stroganoff" feel. Served over rice with a salad. Very satisfying meal. Thanks!

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2 users found this review helpful

Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Reviewed: May 21, 2009

Oh, yummmmmm! Really enjoyed this one. Added strawberries (kept the mandarin oranges) and chopped up some roasted almonds. Even "The Hubbs", whose reason for eating most veggies is "because their good for me", said "feel free to make this any time!" Thanks for a great recipe!

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7 users found this review helpful